Episode 562: Return of the Demon Cult Leader
Haunt stared at Ilsal, utterly dumbfounded.
He had always thought of humans as moths, recklessly flying into flames without realizing their impending doom. But he never imagined they could be this insane.
How dare they come here?
Granted, their stealth skills were impressive, almost enough to make him speechless. If Ilsal had left without a word, Haunt might never have noticed his presence. But even if Ilsal had attempted an ambush, Haunt was confident he wouldn’t have been caught off guard. The only reason Ilsal succeeded in hiding was because he showed no intent to kill.
Still, the stealth was beyond impressive.
“Are you talking about Sabigang, the Lord of the Demon Palace?” Haunt asked, narrowing his eyes. Ilsal nodded.
“Yes.”
This piqued Baritan’s interest.
“What brings you here?”
“It’s related to the conversation you were just having.”
“You’re here to ask for our help?”
“No, I’m suggesting a temporary alliance.”
Ilsal spoke with a certain arrogance, which made Haunt bristle, ready to lash out. But Baritan raised a hand to stop him, a look of amusement on his face.
“Did Sabigang send you?”
“Yes.”
“Haha. Your master is quite bold, sending a subordinate into the lion’s den with a proposal we might not even consider.”
“He’s an extraordinary man. I assure you, none of you could lay a finger on him. Whether it’s his character, martial arts, or appearance, he lacks nothing.”
Of course, those last words were tinged with Sabigang’s own vanity.
Meanwhile, Baritan furrowed his brow, lost in thought. He had sensed Ilsal’s presence from the moment he entered, unlike Haunt. He had pretended not to notice, waiting to discern Ilsal’s intentions. Still, he was surprised. He hadn’t expected the intruder to be human. He had assumed it was a shadow sent by the Demon King or a spy from among the demons who still despised him.
But a human, suggesting an alliance to overthrow the Demon King?
It was exactly the situation he had been waiting for—a human making the first move.
But…
Everything was going too smoothly, like a rigged card game. When things go too well, it’s time to be cautious. It doesn’t mean all threats are gone; it means they’re lurking beneath the surface.
What was the hidden threat here?
Was it the stealth so advanced that even he barely noticed it?
No.
That alone wasn’t enough to pose a real threat.
Was it premature timing?
No, that wasn’t it either. If they were to ally with humans, now was the time. If they waited too long, humans might become too weak to be of any use.
Then what was it?
Just then, Ilsal spoke up.
“If you’re willing, the Lord is open to cooperation.”
Baritan realized what the hidden threat was.
“Ah, Sabigang. He’s the real wild card.”
Sabigang had always been a thorn in his side since he began to control the Demon Cult. Until now, he had been just a “remarkable human.” But that meant he was still human. No matter how exceptional, from a demon’s perspective, he was just a bug with a sting.
But now…
“I see. It’s as if he already knows our position,” Baritan said.
Ilsal smirked.
“Aren’t you also after the Demon King’s head? That’s what the Lord told me.”
“Indeed. And where did you hear such information?”
“There’s no need to reveal my sources. Don’t underestimate human intelligence.”
Listening to Ilsal, Haunt regretted the proposal he had made to Baritan. He hadn’t realized humans could be so audacious. The humans he had encountered were either reckless, charging in like moths to a flame, or trembling in fear.
But this one…
“Is he just clueless?”
Haunt wanted to abandon his plan to use humans and crush this insolent bug immediately.
The astonishing fact was that Sabigang already knew about Baritan’s rebellious intentions. How did he find out?
Ilsal looked at Baritan and spoke.
“If you want to talk, come to the place the Lord suggested. But come alone. The Lord said it wouldn’t be fun if you brought your lackeys.”
Haunt was beyond words.
Baritan smiled at Ilsal, a captivating smile that could ensnare even the most steadfast of men. But Ilsal remained unfazed. After all, he was Sabigang in disguise, and he knew Baritan’s true nature better than anyone.
“What if I refuse?”
“Then I’ll leak information about you to the Demon King.”
“Is that a threat?”
“Not really. Just letting you know we have that option.”
“Interesting.”
Baritan chuckled and stood up. Haunt thought Baritan was finally going to kill the insolent human. But instead, Baritan walked to the window and looked outside.
“Do you have any proof?”
“Is proof important?”
Ilsal watched Baritan’s back.
Baritan narrowed his eyes. This was no ordinary opponent. Even without proof, Ilsal had the audacity to bluff convincingly.
Baritan turned back with a smile.
“Do you think the Demon King is unaware of my plans for rebellion?”
This time, Haunt was shocked. He flinched and looked at Baritan. Ilsal merely furrowed his brow slightly.
Haunt spoke before Ilsal could.
“Marquis, what do you mean? Surely the Demon King doesn’t…”
“He probably knows everything. He’s just turning a blind eye, watching to see how far I’ll go. I’m merely exploiting that arrogance to the fullest. This precarious balancing act is all about who cuts the rope first.”
“The Demon King…”
“But rest assured, he doesn’t know you’re on the same boat as me.”
Meanwhile, Sabigang, disguised as Ilsal, was slightly taken aback.
“Does the Demon King already suspect?”
In hindsight, it wasn’t surprising. The Demon King was a suspicious man. Or rather, just a powerful one. He watched his subordinates closely unless something urgent demanded his attention. Hadn’t he done the same to Sabigang? He had bestowed the title of Grand Duke, acting as if he would give him everything, only to execute him without warning one day.
The Demon King was that kind of man. He used people to the fullest until they were no longer useful.
In the end…
“We’re essentially fighting with all our cards on the table.”
In other words, such threats wouldn’t work. If Baritan’s plot were openly revealed to the Demon King, the King would have no choice but to cut the rope first. He couldn’t pretend not to know once he officially received such information.
So even the Demon King would be forced to act prematurely.
Ilsal shrugged.
“In that case, I’ll lay all my cards on the table too.”
“Do you still have cards to play?”
“I killed several demons, including guards, on my way in.”
Haunt’s jaw dropped.
What kind of lunatic…?
Baritan, however, continued to watch Ilsal with interest.
“And?”
“By now, the bodies will have been discovered, and they’re probably heading this way.”
“You left a trail on purpose?”
“Yes.”
“Go on.”
“If you agree to meet the Lord, kill me when they arrive.”
Haunt flinched and stared. What was this nonsense? Telling them to kill him?
Baritan twisted his lips into a smile.
“Why?”
“You can claim I was an assassin sent to kill you. My death could work in your favor.”
“What if I refuse your proposal?”
“Well, then there’s nothing I can do. But I’ll disappear from here.”
Ilsal pulled out a scroll from his robe—a teleportation scroll.
“I have the stealth skills to evade your attack and enough time to tear this paper.”
In other words, he could escape in an instant.
“Meanwhile, the Demon King might think your provocation has begun.”
“Indeed.”
“You mentioned a precarious balancing act? If it’s not time to cut the rope yet, you’d better listen to me.”
Baritan nodded, impressed. More than anything, he was amazed by the human’s determination. To risk his life so lightly to achieve his goal.
Finally, Baritan spoke.
“Alright, where’s the meeting place?”
Just then, someone banged on the door.
Haunt jumped up in surprise.
Ilsal quickly communicated the meeting place telepathically.
In the next moment,
Bam!
The door burst open, and a group of demons stormed in.
Leading them was none other than Duke Lucidal.
Simultaneously,
Thud!
Ilsal launched himself at Baritan with lightning speed.
“What the—!”
The Duke of Lucidal burst into the room, his voice echoing off the walls.
Baritan swiftly twisted his body, narrowly dodging a lethal strike, and countered with a sharp blow to the back of his attacker’s neck.
Thud!
“Ugh!”
The assailant’s neck snapped, and he collapsed to the ground, blood spilling from his mouth. It all happened in the blink of an eye.
With the situation quickly under control, Baritan turned to the Duke of Lucidal and asked, “What brings you here, Duke Lucidal?”
“Who was that…?”
“As you saw, he broke into my room and ambushed me. It’s impressive, really, for a human to get this close.”
The Duke frowned deeply as he looked at the lifeless body on the floor. “There was an intruder in the Black Castle. I followed his trail here in haste. I’m relieved to see you’re unharmed.”
“Hmm. I see. But why would he choose to break into my room?”
“How should I know?”
“It’s strange. A human making it all the way to the Black Castle, and then specifically targeting my room.”
“What are you implying?”
“Oh, nothing. It’s just… it seems there are quite a few who aren’t too fond of me these days, whether human or demon.”
“Are you suggesting this was an inside job?”
“Surely not.”
Baritan smiled softly.
The Duke shifted his gaze to Hount. “And why are you here?”
“I was also tracking the intruder and ended up here.”
“Hmm.”
Lucidal scrutinized them both with a skeptical look before speaking again. “In any case, it’s fortunate you’re both safe. Let’s have the body removed.”
“Of course.”
At the Duke’s command, his subordinates hurried to collect the assailant’s body.
**
Sitting cross-legged, Sabigang opened his eyes.
Guyu approached him quickly and asked, “What happened?”
“We agreed to meet at the designated place.”